Transfer Of JJ Hospital Pediatrics Head Dr Bela Verma Sparks Faculty Protest, Puts PG Medical Exams In Jeopardy

Mumbai: The conflict between postgraduate medical students (resident doctors) and senior faculty members at government-run JJ Hospital has intensified, with the transfer order of Dr Bela Verma, head of the pediatrics department, emerging as the latest flashpoint.

The situation had escalated after allegations surfaced that a female resident doctor attempted suicide due to alleged harassment by Dr Verma. Following the incident, authorities ordered her transfer. However, the decision has been met with strong resistance from the Maharashtra State Medical Teachers’ Association (MSMTA), which has accused the administration of repeatedly targeting senior doctors without a fair probe.

In protest, the association recently convened a meeting where teachers at Grant Government Medical College decided not to conduct postgraduate and super-specialty exams for the 2022-23 batch. They also passed a resolution refusing to sign off on students’ research theses. This development has cast a shadow over upcoming PG examinations and created a wave of anxiety among students.

“The uncertainty around exams has left us in a state of panic. Academic progress is being held hostage due to administrative indecision,” said a student concerned.